Ringleader Williams, 24, was jailed for five years; Jamieson, 29, was given a custodial sentence of three years and nine months; and Wilson, 23, was imprisoned for three years.

Jamieson’s offending breached the conditions of a suspended sentence. As such a further nine months was tagged onto his prison term.

The investigation into the trio began after cars hired by Jamieson were seen being driving around Macclesfield on 13 and 28 December 2017.

On the second occasion Jamieson and Wilson suspiciously drove straight back to the Greater Manchester area after being spoken to by a police officer who was patrolling the roads.

When they returned to the Macclesfield area on 4 January 2018 they were pulled over by officers following a surveillance operation.

They were subsequently arrested and searched and Wilson was found to be in possession of numerous individual wraps of heroin and cocaine.

The class A drugs seized had a street value of around £850.

The hire car they were in and Jamieson’s home in Manchester were also searched and forensic examinations of the mobile phones seized revealed the pair to be drug runners acting on behalf of Williams.

Whenever they were in the area Jamieson and Wilson would send text messages informing drug users in Macclesfield that they had drugs for sale.

The pair would then deliver class A drugs to those who wanted to buy them.

After they were arrested Williams continued to sell heroin and cocaine on a large scale using pay-as-you-go phones in order to distance himself from his criminal activity.

On 17 July 2018 a search warrant was executed at his home, where officers found wraps of heroin and cocaine with a street value of around £830.

Forensic examinations of mobile phones seized from Williams’ home revealed a large number of text messages sent to drug users.

Detective Sergeant Jon Ryder said: “Williams, Jamieson and Wilson were responsible for class A drugs being brought from outside the county of Cheshire into the Macclesfield area.

“They have a clear disregard for the law and I am delighted that they are now behind bars and no longer able to blight the area with illegal drugs.

“Williams ran the county lines team and employed Jamieson and Wilson to distribute drugs on his behalf.

“They used hire cars and pay-as-you-go phones as part of a criminal enterprise which systematically exploited vulnerable people.

“Drugs have a hugely detrimental impact causing widespread misery. As such removing those involved in drug dealing from our communities is of paramount importance.

“This was an extensive and complex investigation and I would like to thank all of the officers and staff involved for the dedication and commitment they have shown to bring these offenders to justice.

“I hope that this case and the custodial sentences handed to Williams, Jamieson and Wilson sends out a clear message to other potential criminals that there is no place in Cheshire for illegal drugs – or those involved in them.”

On top of their custodial sentences Williams, Jamieson and Wilson were each ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

Williams will face a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at a future date.

DS Ryder added: “While this investigation has now concluded our fight against organised criminals continues and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to and we will investigate the matter.

“You can report suspected drug dealing to us directly by calling 101. Alternatively information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”